“The medical Aspects of Nuclear Radiation” (1950) is an informational film by the U.S. Armed Forces Special Weapons projects in technicolor meant to alleviate any fears by the American public about nuclear radiation. Using animation to explain the various types of nuclear radiation and exposure, the film purports to give scientific insights into the effects of radiation exposure. Nonetheless, in the light of more current science, the film seems woefully incomplete and misleading. This film was part of a larger series produced for general information on the subject of atomic weapons defense. 

Film opens, opening credits/ title page (0:06). Sunlit pool as case study to informally illuminate types of radiation and their effects on humans: Footage opens to glamorous villa, aquamarine pool, fashionable visitors in 1950s-style swimwear tanning and swimming (0:35). Young woman sunbathes on towel in grass, narrator illuminates all the sources of radiation she may experience from that mundane activity (0:59). Animation begins, how radiation causes injury: Ionizing radiation impact on cell structure, atoms (1:58). Radioactive substances (gamma rays, neutrons, alpha particles, beta particles), how they enter the body (eating, breathing, breaks in the skin), their impact on the body (internal impact of radiation on internal organs), half-life of substances (copper, plutonium) (3:16). Different cells have different vulnerabilities to radiation: Lymph cells, bone marrow, sex cells, cartilage, muscles, nerves; Generally cells that reproduce rapidly are most vulnerable (5:06). Return to live action, cancer doctor sets patient up for radiation treatment of oral cancer; Narrator details manifestations of radiation in the body: Hair loss, nausea, bleeding, inability to resist other illness, death (5:49). Average middle class American man walks down stairs of home, sits in chair reads newspaper, articles encouraging wide-spread hysteria and fear of radiation (6:35). Military labs, scientists in white coats work to isolate radioactive substances (7:17). Mushroom cloud explosion of atomic bomb (perhaps footage of Operation Crossroads nuclear weapons test on Bikini Atoll) (7:34). Return to animation, how proper protection is determined: Shielding material based on half thickness varies according to substance i.e. steel, concrete, wood; Density of material not as important as ability to slow down and capture particles (concrete, earth, water most ideal) (8:38). Return to live-action: Men sit at table playing cards as explosion goes off, footage switches to open-water atomic blast - safe to go to land 2 minutes after explosion, underwater likely still contaminated (9:25). Ways to protect against radiation illness after exposure: Eating proper food that has been inspected, wearing protective mask, caring for clothes that have been exposed (soldier buries contaminated uniform), showering (two soldiers in communal shower pay extra attention to hair, under nails) (10:29). Officer uses what appear to be 1950s "Electro-Count" GM Detector (Geiger Counter) to inspect exposure of fellow officer, other instrument for detection pocket dosimeter;   Radiation units measured in roentgens (10:57). Bodily response to radiation depends on individual: Two soldiers walk side-by-side around base, narrator compares how each individual may react, nonetheless, doctors set maximum gamma radiation dose at 0.3 roentgens per week, 150-300 roentgens causes illness, 450 roentgens death (11:37). Arlington National Cemetery (12:55). Exterior of United States Naval Hospital (13:01). Medical treatment, treat symptoms but no removing of cause: Man stands in bathroom and takes aspirin, doctors perform surgery on man in surgical theater, patient lays in bed and receives blood transfusion (13:16). Footage damage to Hiroshima and Nagasaki after atomic bombing, footage of Japanese patients receiving medical treatment, propagandized statement of impact of stress/worry on illness and recovery vs. actual deaths (14:04). WWII fighting Pacific Theatre, marines operate perhaps Vickers machine gun in jungle, other field combat (16:18). Fear mongering/ propaganda adverse effects of radiation: Man stands in front of bathroom mirror, imagines self bald; Group of soldiers in barracks read article about male impotence, sterility, deformities in offspring (16:44). Sperm cell under microscope, radiation impact on chromosomes (18:29). Closing credits, film ends (20:01).

This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD and 2k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com

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